Articles Tagged With ‘California’




Newspapers shrink, one expands

While most newspapers throughout the state are shrinking, one California newspaper owner has chosen to increase quality and content. [Huffington Post] The Orange County Register has increased its community news section nearly five-fold, added more investigative reporting and about 75... (Continue reading)

New laws overlooked in 2012

Californians began 2012 with the news that they could no longer purchase the delicacy of shark fin soup, and six months later they had to give up foie gras. Governor Jerry Brown signed nearly 900 bills into law in 2012,... (Continue reading)

State can’t escape “No Child…” law

California’s resistance to provisions of 2004’s No Child Left Behind school proficiency act has led to denial of waivers officials have been seeking from the federal government. (San Jose Mercury News) This state wanted to join 33 others and the... (Continue reading)

Environmental hazards of pot farms

Marijuana growers  are siphoning water, spraying pesticides, chopping down trees and leaving California’s wilderness areas strew with litter, scientist said. [LATimes] State scientists recently studied aerial imagery of a small tributary of the Eel River, the spawning grounds for endangered... (Continue reading)

California gun sales skyrocket after school shooting

In the aftermath of an election and another school shooting, firearm sales in California are at an all-time high. [PressEnterprise] Friday’s shooting at a Connecticut school in which a gunman shot and killed 20 children and six adults with a... (Continue reading)

Fracking gets government attention

Oil companies in California utilizing hydraulic fracturing — fracking — will be required to disclose that information if Gov. Jerry Brown has his way. (Sacramento Bee) The governor said Tuesday it would be the first application of such a regulation,... (Continue reading)

Rational gun safety talk advocated

A new California congressman said Monday that he hopes last week’s school carnage in Connecticut will generate meaningful discussion about gun safety measures and “give us the courage to engage in the conversation.” (Sacramento Bee) Democratic Rep.-elect Ami Bera told... (Continue reading)

Half of state’s voters cast mail ballots

More than half of California’s 13.2 million participating voters submitted mail ballots in the recent general election, according to Secretary of State Debra Bowen. (Sacramento Bee) She reported that 51 percent voted through the mails, the most ever in a... (Continue reading)

California insurance firm over billed Medicare $424 million

A California health insurance company over billed Medicare $424 million, according a report issued by the U.S. Health and Human Services Inspector General. [California Watch] PacificCare, now owned by United Health Group, claimed that patients on its Medicare Advantage plan... (Continue reading)

Gag orders harder to get in January

Gag orders in legal settlements involving lawsuits against state-licensed professionals will no longer be legal in January. [California Watch] The law will facilitate consumers’ contact with state agencies in cases where further disciplinary of corrective action might be called for.... (Continue reading)